Question A group of university students (Peter, Paul, Mary and Jane) are planning to visit Australia after their final exams. Being young and adventurous, they want to experience the 'real Australia' and have a real fling before embarking on their respective careers. They enjoy the active outdoors, and are game enough to try anything that will set their adrenaline flowing. Night life, such as visiting pubs and discos are high on their wish list, as well as experiences they cannot get at home - such as hot air ballooning, white water rafting and bungy jumping! Bearing in time their limited budget and their high expectations to cover as much ground and experiences as possible in Australia, plan and suggest an itinerary for them. Answer Brisbane to Brisbane (The Sunshine Coast) in 12 Days In twelve days, you can see the interior and exterior of the Queensland’s magical Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Beginning and ending in Brisbane, this itinerary takes you through the Glass House and Blackall Mountain ranges, through historic Gympie with its gold rush past, and up to Hervey Bay, the best place to see a humpback whale. Along this journey you can dive the Great Southern Barrier Reef, tour Fraser Island, and explore the beaches of Maroochydore. FLIGHT DETAILS – EX DELHI FLIGHT NO SECTOR DEP ARR QF 3954 DELHI SINGAPORE 0845 1705 OPERATED BY JET AIRWAYS (INDIA) LTD QF 52 SINGAPORE BRISBANE 2125 0640# QF 51 BRISBANE SINGAPORE 1340 1930
Transcript
Question
A group of university students (Peter, Paul, Mary and Jane) are planning to visit Australia after their final exams. Being young and adventurous, they want to experience the 'real Australia' and have a real fling before embarking on their respective careers.
They enjoy the active outdoors, and are game enough to try anything that will set their adrenaline flowing. Night life, such as visiting pubs and discos are high on their wish list, as well as experiences they cannot get at home - such as hot air ballooning, white water rafting and bungy jumping!
Bearing in time their limited budget and their high expectations to cover as much ground and experiences as possible in Australia, plan and suggest an itinerary for them.
Answer
Brisbane to Brisbane (The Sunshine Coast) in 12 Days
In twelve days, you can see the interior and exterior of the Queensland’s magical Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Beginning and ending in Brisbane, this itinerary takes you through the Glass House and Blackall Mountain ranges, through historic Gympie with its gold rush past, and up to Hervey Bay, the best place to see a humpback whale.
Along this journey you can dive the Great Southern Barrier Reef, tour Fraser Island, and explore the beaches of Maroochydore.
DAY 01: Delhi – Brisbane via Singapore on Qantas Airways
0545 Hours: Arrive Indira Gandhi International airport for your flight to Brisbane via Singapore.
0640 Hours: Arrive Brisbane international airport.
From the airport, take a shuttle bus directly to the hostel or catch the Airtrain to Roma Street Transit Centre and walk 600 meters to the hostel.
Overnights at Brisbane City YHA
Winner of Best Backpacker Accommodation, Queensland Tourism Awards 2011.
The newly redeveloped Brisbane City YHA boasts modern, state of the art facilities designed for the 21st century budget traveler, with a unique Australiana-theme throughout. Located a short walk from the central business
district, this YHA offers modern air-conditioned multi-share, double, twin and family rooms (many with ensuites), rooftop pool and sundeck overlooking the Brisbane River and city skyline, indoor and outdoor dining, large kitchen, television lounges and Games Room with Nintendo Wii, wireless internet throughout and secure parking.
Experience the relaxed cosmopolitan lifestyle of Queensland's capital city.
Brisbane is built around the river and offers unique outdoor living in a sub-tropical climate. Take a CityCat along the river, enjoy views of the city from Mount Coot-tha lookout, visit South Bank Parklands or dine alfresco at cafes along the river. Take a day trip to nearby Moreton or Stradbroke Islands or to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts' pristine beaches and hinterlands.
DAY 02: Brisbane to Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive
Check out from the hostel and proceed to Roma St Transit Centre (Stop 124) to board bus to Queen St approaching Ann St (Stop 67) which will take approax 30 Minutes.
Arrive Queen St approaching Ann St (Stop 67) proceed to Jucy Campervan rental deport in Brisbane located at 949 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 to hire campervan.
The benefits of taking a Campervan is that you have freedom on the road, see Australia your way, create your own adventure, no worries about schedules, stop when you feel like it.
Your first leg is a short one, 65-80 km. About an hour north of Brisbane is the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive. This stunning mountain range was named by Captain Hook in 1770, and is an ever-present sight as you travel the Sunshine Coast.
Amidst the 13 volcanic peaks is the Glasshouse Mountains National Park, which encompasses seven of the mountains. Within the National Park are four smaller parks, perfect for camping, hiking, picnicking, and rock climbing.
Where to Stay:
Glasshouse Mountains Holiday Village
Located in the heart of the Glasshouse Mountains about five minutes from Beerwah, this resort features a swimming pool, recreation room, children’s playground, a tennis court, a café and gallery, and a camp kitchen. Choose from self-contained motel units, powered caravan sites, and non-powered campsites.
Don’t Miss:
Australia Zoo
Start your trip off right with a visit to one of Queensland’s most popular and revered attractions, the Australia Zoo. Home of the late Steve Irwin (“The Crocodile Hunter”), the Australia Zoo is home to koalas, elephants, Tasmanian devils, wo mbats, dingoes, tigers, snakes, alligators, and of course, crocodiles.
Try to arrive by 11:00 a.m. so you can park and get tickets in time for the 12:00 Crocs Live Show in the Animal Planet Crocoseum.
Other Attractions:
Landsborough Historical Museum
Visit one of the largest social history museums in Queensland, in the historic town of Landsborough. Stop in to see the more than 10,000 items in the collection, and get tourist information in the foyer.
Big Kart Track
The largest commercial go-kart track in Australia, Big Kart Track also features the Bungy Bullet, a ride for adventure-seekers, which shoots you 50 meters into the air in one second!
DAY 03: Glasshouse Mountains to Gympie
Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring the wineries and quaint mountain villages in the Blackall Range. Drive 15 km northwest to Maleny, where you can visit the fourth-generation winemakers at Maleny Mountain Wines. Drive 15 km north (and a bit east) to Montville, where you can shop, enjoy a gourmet meal, and tour the Settlers Rise
Winery. If you have time for one more, visit the Flaxton Winery, about 5 km from Montville in the town of Flaxton.
Drive 76 km north to Gympie in the heart of the Cooloola Region. It was here that James Nash discovered gold in 1867, and you can learn about the Gympie Gold Rush at various attractions in town.
Where to Stay:
Gympie Caravan Park
This park is just a short walk from the heart of Gympie, so you can easily check-in and walk to dinner, or visit attractions. Features include a saltwater pool, laundry facilities, Internet access, television room, camp kitchen, and shower facilities. Choose from shaded sites, drive through sites, ensuite powered sites, tent sites, or luxury cabins.
Don’t Miss:
Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum
Operated by the Gympie Historical Society, this museum offers you a glimpse into the Gympie Gold Rush, and a look at the gold mine currently in operation.
The museum also home to the Fifth Light Horse Regimental History Museum, and the Andrew Fisher House, former home of the second Labour Prime Minister. The museum is situated next to a lake, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or explore the grounds.
Other Attractions:
Deep Creek Fossicking Area
Visit the Cooloola Region Visitors Information Center on Bruce Highway in Gympie for a fossicking permit, and then make your way to the Deep Creek Fossicking Area on the southern end of town. There are two entrances: one on Court Street and one on Victoria Street. Here you can use traditional tools to fossick for your own bit of gold.
Mary Valley Heritage Railway
Take the three-hour ride through the Mary Valley to Imbil on the Valley Rattler, a 1923 restored steam engine. The Rattler leaves from the Gympie Railway Station every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, and allows for a short time to explore Imbil.
DAYS 04 & DAYS 05: Gympie to Bundaberg
Drive about 200 km north to Bundaberg, the “Gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.” Situated on the Burnett River, Bundaberg and the surrounding areas are a nature-lover’s dream, with beautiful sandy beaches perfect for diving, and eight National Parks right along the coast. In order for you to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef and other sights, you will need two days in Bundaberg.
Where to Stay
Cane Village Holiday Park
This Park is about 5km from the city center, and features a saltwater swimming pool, two camp kitchens, award-winning gardens, and a children’s playground. Choose from campsites, deluxe holiday units, or budget cabins. Don’t Miss
Dive the Great Barrier Reef
There are numerous places to dive around the Great Barrier Reef, including Fitzroy Reef Lagoon, Hoffman’s Rocks, Barolin Rocks, and the favorite of many divers, Evan’s Patch.
Go wild with activities ranging from Day trip snorkeling, diving on the Great Barrier Reef, adventurous white water rafting on the Tully River or Tandem Skydiving, to a day trip to the World Heritage listed Daintree Region. There's Horse Riding, Quad Biking, bungy Jumping, Hot Air Ballooning to name a few!
If you would rather stay above water, take one of the many day cruises. Some of the cruises allow time for diving or snorkeling as well. You can also tour the areas of Lady Elliott Island and Lady Musgrave Island.
Other Attractions:
Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Take a tour of the distillery, which has been producing rum since 1888. Learn about the process of distilling rum, visit the Spring Hill House, a restored Queenslander now operating as a Visitor’s Center, and tour the museum. Tours are every hour on the hour, from 10:00 to 3:00 most days.
DAY 06: Bundaberg to Hervey Bay
Drive about 76 km southeast to Hervey Bay. Named by Captain Cook in 1770, Hervey Bay is made up of numerous tiny townships, and is the gateway to Fraser Island. Considered one of the best places in the world to spot humpback whales, the area has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and a plethora of caravan parks.
Where to Stay:
Fraser Lodge Holiday Park
Located in Hervey Bay just a short walk to the beach, Fraser Lodge features two swimming pools, a tennis court, two camp kitchens, a game room with televisions, Internet access, spa, tour desk with booking services, and turtle and duck watching at the Sanctuary Dam. Choose from couple’s retreats, spa villas, two bedroom villas, holiday units, studio units, ensuite cabins, ensuite sites, powered sites and unpowered sites.
Don’t Miss:
Whale Watching Tour
Every year from July through November, Hervey Bay is home to thousands of migrating humpback whales. More than 20 companies operate whale-watching tours out of Urangan Boat Harbour. You can choose full-day, half-day, and three-quarter-day tours. Check with the Whale Watch Industry Association of Hervey Bay for more information.
Other Attractions:
Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum
Step back in time as you explore the 19 buildings that make up the Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum. Thousands of artifacts date back to the 1800s, and the site includes a church built in 1910, a railway station built in 1920, a slab cottage built in 1900, and a school built in the 1800s. Some of the buildings are fully furnished. On Sundays you can see a demonstration from a blacksmith and wood turner.
Fishing Off of the Scarness Esplanade
Hervey Bay is also well known for fantastic fishing opportunities. You can hire a fishing charter, but if you simply want to put a line in for a few hours, make your way to the Scarness Esplanade. About 18 km long, the Esplanade has numerous jetties perfect for fishing.
DAYS 07 & DAYS 08: Fraser Island
Take the ferry from Urangan Boat Harbour to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world at 162,000 hectares.
The best description of the island is in its Aboriginal name, “K’gari,” which means “paradise.” Here you can explore sub-tropical rainforests, the Great Sandy National Park, 24 freshwater lakes, and Seventy-Mile Beach. Fraser Island is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as turtles, possums, and wallabies. Numerous walking trails allow you to get up close and personal with the natural habitat. Adventures sports such as 4WD tours, snorkeling, and canoeing can be arranged at one of the many resorts on the island. You will need two days on the island, or you will feel rushed.
Where to Stay:
Fraser’s at Cathedral Beach
Fraser Island’s only private campground, this park is situated on 25 acres on the Eastern Beach, and features a convenience store, fuel, laundry facilities, picnic areas, snacks and light meals, and 4WD rental. Choose from two- and three-bedroom cabins, two-bedroom ensuite cabins, powered and unpowered sites.
Don’t Miss:
Fraser Island Great Walk
One of Queensland’s six Great Walks, the Fraser Island Great Walk is actually 85 km long and would take about a week to walk. However, there are short walks within the journey; the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has a complete guide to the Walk which you will not soon forget.
DAY 09: Fraser Island to Maroochydore
Leave early in the morning and begin the 117 km-drive south to Maroochydore, where you will find gorgeous beaches and terrific shopping. The route winds through the towns of Kin Kin, Teewantin and Noosaville. If you are ahead of schedule, stay a night in Noosa Heads, just a few km off of your route. Here you will find a plethora of caravan parks, National Parks, and great shopping and
beaches.
Where to Stay:
Maroochy Palms Holiday Village
Located on the Maroochy River about 5 km from the central Maroochydore, the Maroochy Palms is a family resort with loads of free activities (with accommodation), including the tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool complex complete with its own beach, rock pool spa, and fountains; camp kitchen, a well-equipped recreation room, a landscaped lake with boardwalks, outdoor movie theatre, a fitness center for the grown ups (with massage services), and an activity program for the kids; a mini replica train, the JayJay Express; and a general store and café. Choose from luxury spa villas, riverview villas, deluxe villas, ensuite villas, powered ensuite sites, and camping sites.
Don’t Miss:
Underwater World
Visit the largest oceanarium in the southern hemisphere, Underwater World. Located in the Wharf Complex in Mooloolaba, Underwater World is home to more than 25,000 creatures from the deep, including coral fish, sharks, seals, otters, and crocodiles. Here you can swim with the seals, explore the touch pools, and take one of 18 tours available to visitors, including the
Dinosaur Discovery Tour.
DAYS 10 & DAYS 11: Maroochydore to Brisbane
Drive 105 km south to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and Australia’s fastest growing city. Located on the Brisbane River, between the Great Dividing Mountain Range and Moreton Bay, Brisbane is a lush city with spectacular gardens and wonderful beaches.
Although this is where your trip started, you are not finished by any means. Brisbane offers visitors a wealth of sightseeing and dining opportunities, and you will need at least two days to see the top sights. Once you get settled at your caravan park or resort, stroll the streets of downtown Brisbane, and have a seafood dinner or a bit of “Mod Oz” cuisine. You will have one more full day to explore cultural and historical landmarks in Brisbane, and perhaps do some shopping at one of the outlet centers in and around the city.
Where to Stay:
BIG4 Brisbane Northside Caravan Village
Located about 12 km from the heart of Brisbane in Aspley, the BIG4 Brisbane features a well-equipped recreation room with an Internet kiosk, a swimming pool, tennis courts, golf putting green, and laundry facilities. Guests can easily walk to a nearby shopping center, and to public transportation into Brisbane. Choose from self-contained, air-conditioned villas and cabins, all of which include kitchens, telephones, televisions, and toilets.
Don’t Miss:
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Located just outside of Brisbane in Fig Tree Pocket, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to over 130 koalas. Stop by on the way to your accommodations near Brisbane, and you can enjoy some actual koala cuddling, feed kangaroos from your hand, and see parrots, kookaburras, emus, wombats, a Tasmanian devil and an Eastern water dragon! You can have your picture taken with a koala; eat at the on-site restaurant or in the picnic area.
DAYS 12: Brisbane – Delhi via Singapore on Qantas Airways
This morning return your campervan at the Jucy campervan rental depot in Brisbane before catching your flight back to Delhi via Singapore.
